Holiday Happenings

I am so sorry about the long hiatus! Life has been crazily busy and I have also been without my camera for a while. However, things are starting to slow down (a little) and getting back to normal.

We had the pleasure of having my little sister, Alli, and her husband Makay come and stay with us for a few days. They are going to school at BYU-Idaho and had a few days off and we were lucky enough to snag them. We had so much fun having them here and I had a blast reminiscing with Alli about our childhood. Cade was completely smitten by Makay and wanted to do everything Makay did and be everywhere Makay was.

Cade liked to play hide and seek with Alli and Makay and for some reason thought that a tree would supply an ample hiding place. It was too funny. We also got to hear the babys heart beat while they were here, which was so exciting. It was nice to know that the expanding belly really is alive and kicking.

Christmas was an exciting event in our house. Jared was on call so we stayed in Las Vegas and decided to stay in our own home and have our own little Christmas (we usually stay at his brothers house and have Christmas morning with their family). I was so excited for Cade to have his first Christmas that he kinda got the idea. I was so tired from all of the preparations but I could not sleep on Christmas eve. I was wide awake and so ready for the celebrations to begin. Once 4:30am rolled around Jared, whom I kept awake with my excitement, and I decided to pop in a movie and kill some time. Once the movie was over at about 6:30 I couldn't wait to roll into bed but as soon as my head hit the pillow I heard the door of our little munchkin jiggle and he was ready to party. We tried to convince him that it was still sleep time but he would have nothing to do with it, so the festivities began.

He humored me for a few pictures before we went into the family room to open presents, notice the sleep in his eyes! He was so much fun to watch open his presents. He has so much emotion and after every present he would say "thank you Santa!" at the top of his lungs and then get wrapped up in the gift until I convinced him to open another one. Towards the end I ended up opening his presents for him and drawing his attention to the new toy.

One of his first favorites were his new legos because it came with a "lego guy." For some reason he thought it was cool.

Jared was in charge of the video and I was covering the camera. We were both busy! During the Christmas season all Cade could talk about was Santa bringing him a scooter. I was so excited for him to see the scooter I could hardly stand it! So, "was it a hit," you ask? Ummmm, kinda. The real hit of this Christmas.... the 99 cent flashlight....figures. He is still trying to figure out the scooter. He hasn't quite grasped the idea of turning. He just picks it up and turns it to where he wants, it is rather comical.

Jared got me some Mary Kay products and some fun money. I got him some BYU stuff and ended up caving and getting him a PS3, something he as talked about for as long as I can remember. I was totally stoked to give him the system but caught the reaction on the video but have no pictures. Needless to say, he was VERY excited! My dream came true when we went to Jason and Melissas to check out everyones gifts and I had my Christmas wish fulfilled. I have wanted to take Cade to Disneyland for a long time, especially during Christmas time. We were planning on doing it but end up having other things come up and so decided not to. Well, they were all bouncing off the walls to give us our gift and so I was excited to see what was in the box and to my TOTAL surprise there was a trip to DISNEYLAND inside! I am so so so excited and cannot wait to board the airplane tomorrow. Cade has been talking about seeing "mick mouse and goopy" (goofy) all week long.

Cade was also way too spoiled and was so blessed with so many fun gifts from so many people! Thank you everyone!

He also got his Lion towel that he loves. He thought that he was so cool this morning wearing it and roaring like a lion. I was laughing and laughing, this kid keeps me in stitches. So, now that I have finally gotten back to blogging I am going to be leaving again but will be back soon with lots of pictures and lots of stories from Mickey. We love you all and thank you so much for all your love and generosity! Happy New Year to all...we love you!

What Sounds Good Baby?

My poor, sweet, Jared was sent on his first crazy pregnancy fiasco last night. We had been planning on going out with some friends so I didn't have any dinner planned but things didn't work out. So we decided to get some errands done and before I knew it it was 6:30 and Cade was in the back of the car saying, "Mom, I am huuuuuuungry!!" So we made a quick stop at McDonald's to satisfy him so we could finish what we were doing. Well, eventually we both realized that we too were hungry and the typical question, "so, what sounds good?" was asked. Well, unlike the past few months, I actually had an idea of what I wanted... Meat! I wanted a steak or a pork chop with some mashed potatoes. It just sounded so good but so out of character for me. All Jared could do was look at me and laugh... "who are you and what did you do with my wife?" he asked.
Well, Cade had reached his limit and bed was calling his name so I headed in to put him to bed and Jared headed out to satisfy my tummy. An hour, 5 restaurants, and a sleeping baby later Jared got home with a smile and a "I got what you wanted, babe!" He pulled out a juicy pork chop with mashed potatoes and a green salad, my hero!

I asked if he had told every person he asked about a pork chop why he was on the hunt. He said that he had only told the guy at the last place he went to which the man replied, "oh man, I have 3 kids and I know EXACTLY what you are going through!" I laughed and laughed and felt a little embarrassed at what my poor hubby had to just endure for his crazy wife. After dinner was devoured he pulled out a chocolate dessert with a big smile on his face. I asked if he had seen a picture of the dessert of if he just read it on the menu. He said that he just asked the guy if they had anything chocolate. The guy said they only had one thing to which Jared replied, "I'll take it." They guy asked if he wanted to know what it was and Jared said, "nope, it is chocolate, it will do, I will take it." Haha, the guy laughed and again said, "Man, I know EXACTLY what you are going through!" Oh... the things that we all do for pregnancy! Thanks sweetheart! You are the best!

10 Weeks and Counting

Wow, it has been quite a while since I have actually sat down and taken the time to type about my life. We have been busy but still no pictures to share because my camera is still in the shop...dang! Today officially marks 10 weeks of pregnancy and I have to say that I have been very very blessed. I have felt well, had enough energy, and have dodged most of the 1st trimester aliments, that was until yesterday when everything came crashing down. I think that it all just caught up with me and all I could get done was shower and caulking Cades new dart gun (from grandma and grandpa) over and over and over and over and over.... Needless to say it was a rather unproductive day but hopefully it was just a fluke because I seem to be feeling on the up and up today.
We had the opportunity of having my mom come and spend a few days with us this week and had so much fun! It is always so nice to have her around and now the house feels a little too quite since she left. We had a great time shopping, eating lots of junk, going to the park for hours on end, and talking even more. We went to the new H&M store that just opened here and stocked up Cades winter wardrobe and I also found him his Christmas suit, I will have to post pictures when I get my camera back.
Now for the details that some have asked for....
1. Yes, I was waiting to share the prego info because some of our family didn't know until Thanksgiving and I didn't want the info to leak out to them before we told them.
2. I am due July 3, 2008
3. Cade does know that I have a baby in my tummy but doesn't really get it. When we ask him what we are having he usually says "an ister!" (sister)
4. I have felt fine but I cannot cannot cannot watch food commercials or the food network (such a shame) or it just makes me sick! Ugh!
5. I am already starting to get a tummy! Way too early! I was bound and determined that I would be able to hold off as long as I did with cade (about 4 months) but no such luck this little one just wants to pop out and be noticed.
6. We are so excited to have another baby in our home again.

An Attitude of Gratitude

We had a great thanksgiving full of family, food, and fun. We went to a cabin in Brian Head, Utah and had a huge feast. We cooked and cooked all day on Thursday and then enjoyed the fruits of our labors for the next few days. As you can see, the little ones were dying to dig in and devour the feast.
We had a couple of 4-wheelers to play on and had a blast but were bummed that the snow had not made its debut, that was until Friday morning. We woke up to the beginnings of a winter wonderland. I was so excited to get Cade out and snap some pictures of the kids in the snow. It was really the first time that Cade had played in the snow and he was somewhat unsure as what to think about it. He loved to kick in and eventually learned how to throw it so he could retaliate after a snowball in the face, it was great.

I started with pictures of the twins but then my camera froze. I was so sad because I had great plans for some snow pictures. Hopefully my camera can make it back from the shop before Christmas because my little point and shoot just doesn't do the job.

On Saturday morning we headed up to Provo for the BYU vs Utah rivalry game. We had a great time! We ended up taking Cade with us to the game and he loved it. He yelled and cheered and supported the Cougars. We were so proud of our little man.
It was a great Thanksgiving holiday and we feel so blessed to have shared it with so many special people!

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Now is the time for my attitude of gratitude...
I have felt so blessed this past year and know that our Father in Heaven has truly watched over our family and blessed us with more than we deserve.

I have been married to my prince charming for 3 1/2 years. I love my sweet husband and feel so blessed to have forever with him.

We have been blessed to have a full fridge and full tummy's.

We have been blessed to spend lots of time with all of our family. We have been blessed with hugs and kisses and feel so blessed to have been loved so much.

We have survived some not so great haircuts. Ooops, we got a little over zealous with the clippers.

We have been to the happiest place on earth...Disneyland. And it was truly one of the happiest places on earth!

We have played, and played, and played!


Cade has loved nursery and has been a champ. Oh thank heavens for Nursery!


Cade has been a great 2 year old and has not learned the "mine" word until just recently. We feel so blessed to have such a fun, exciting, and lovable little boy!

We have been a very happy and blessed family of 3....


And are so excited and honored to soon be a family of 4!

Donald Duck

Wow, once again it has been a long time in coming and not many pictures to show for the long absence. However, there is a reason for going MIA, which I will share with you later. On Friday night Jared told Cade that in the morning we would go get some chicken nuggets and Cade was so so so excited that he couldn't get into bed fast enough. As soon as the sun peeked through his window he started asking if we could go to "Donald Duck." So, we decided to forget our chores, dawn our BYU apparel(since they were playing that day) and head out to McDonald's. We were lucky enough to get there for breakfast and so I got to fill my quota of 1 egg Mcmuffin for the year and the boys got some sausage egg mcmuffins.

Jared was rather happy with the event but was so excited for the cougar game to start that he kept his eye on the clock. He actually found another cougar fan at the McDonald's playland that he got to talk football with for a little bit.

Cade wasn't sure if it was more fun to eat or play so he would stuff his mouth as full as he could get it and head off to play until his mouth was empty.

Last night as I was cooking dinner I turned around to see that Cade had plopped Jared's hat on his head and was just hanging out waiting for dinner to be done. For some reason it really struck me as funny that I couldn't help but snap some pictures.
Thanksgiving is coming up and we are so excited. We get to spend the holiday with Jared's family at a cabin in Brianhead so we are hoping for snow. There are so many things in this world that I am so thankful for and cannot wait to actually write down because for some reason that makes the blessings seem even more real and the gratitude sink deeper in my heart. However, now is not the moment for that post, strange I know, but there is a reason. So, I wish you all a wonderful and happy thanksgiving. I hope the Turkey is moist, the family is close and hearts are full of thanks and gratitude.

The Laundry Mystery

How exactly does this happen? I did all the laundry, and I mean ALL, on Saturday. ALL the whites, ALL the colors, ALL the towels, ALL the delicates, ALL the odds and ends. It took forever but it was all done, clean, and folded. As I was putting it all away today I turned around to see another pile of laundry to fill the basket and cause another load to be thrown in today. How exactly does a family of 3 create enough laundry in a day and a half to have to start laundry all over again? Ugh. And on top of that... not only does it cause the washer and dryer to be used but the iron too! Ironing is NOT my favorite thing to do. Oh well, I guess it could be worse and I am sure it probably will be when there are more little munchkins to wash for and clean up after. The beauties of motherhood.
(This picture is when Cade was 4 months old... My how time just passes us by!)

Utah With A Bang!

We had a crazy and way too quick weekend this past week. We took off to Utah on Friday night and pulled in at about 1 a.m. With a restless night behind us I woke up early and headed to the salon so my cute sister-in-law gave my hair some TLC. Once I was done I jetted back to the house to pick up Jared and head to the BYU game. We had a great time at the game and were happy to leave with another win however we were on the run again. We were in the car again and on our way to Salt Lake. We arrived just in enough time to change and head off to my cute cousin Seth's baptism.

The baptism was wonderful and we were all so proud of him and his decision. He is such a tender soul that just makes you happy to be around. He is going to be an amazing missionary though out his entire life.

Cade was being a goof ball at the baptism and was cheesing for the camera. He has recently discovered little cars and at the moment prefers Lightening Mcqueen from cars. He takes it every where and loves to make all the car noises that all boys can make for some reason.

My newest addition are bangs. It has been years and years since I have had bangs but I was in desperate need of a change and my only options were cut it all off or cut some bangs. I opted for the smaller commitment. I have enjoyed something different but am still trying to figure out how to do them. I feel a little disabled when I am doing my hair now.

However the most exciting addition of the weekend was baby Sawyer. My sister-in-law, Jessica, went into labor or had her water break on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. and our little Sawyer was here by 2:02pm. We are so excited that we got to see him before we had to head back to Las Vegas.

Cade was so excited to see baby "Sawer," as he would say. He loved to hold him, look at him, and talk to him but he did NOT like it when I held him. He did everything that he could to get my attention on him and off of Sawyer. It was too funny and a little endearing but something we are going to have to work on.

The whole time he held the baby he would smile and smile and say, "look mom, a baby!"

Jared fell in love with his little nephew. He was so excited to snuggle a little one again and had to keep smelling the "new baby smell." It was so much fun to watch both of my boys with a little baby around.

After a short visit and welcoming at the hospital we got back in the car and got back to Las Vegas at about Midnight on Sunday. It was a great weekend, we had a wonderful time and wish that we could have spent more time with our family and the newest addition. Congrats Jessie, Craig, and Molly and welcome to our family Baby Sawyer... We love you!

Halloween...take 1, 2, 3, and 4!

TAKE 1-- Halloween Party
Halloween seemed to be a week long celebration in our home. It all started off with a fun little Halloween party with Cade and all his little friends. Lots of costumes, lots of snacks, lots of games. We had a good time. Cade was supposed to be a lifeguard, however he put a stop to that one. For some silly reason he refused to wear his costume so I had to rummage through his closet an hour before the party and luckily found some basketball warm-ups so he became a "baketball player" as he would say.

Cades friends Avery and Evan

Some of the kids all dressed up at the party

Giving Evan big hugs.

TAKE 2-- Trunk or Treat

Our ward had a trunk-or-treat on Monday. Cade had a good time but he was more excited about his halloween bucket at first. Once he realized that he got candy when he held it out and said the right words he was stoked! Our candy, all 65 candy bars and 25 play doughs were gone within 10 minutes, crazy!

TAKE 3-- TRUNK OR TREAT...AGAIN

As if we didnt already have enough candy, we went to the trunk-or-treat at Jason and Melissa's ward, Jareds brother and sister-in-law, on Tuesday. We had a great time and since Cade had finally caught onto the idea of Halloween he had a blast running from car to car. We also got to gather treats with the cutest knights and BYU cheerleader you have EVER seen!

TAKE 3-- HALLOWEEN

I decided that I was so sick of his dumb basketball player costume. It was boring and predictable, so I opted for a different costume for halloween night, a missionary. I wasnt sure if he would go for it but once he saw that he got to wear his church shoes and daddy's badge he was all in. I also wasn't sure if people that were not members of the church would know what he was but everyone loved his costume so much that he got extra candy. The response was, "oh a Mormon missionary, how cute!" followed by a handful of candy. To which he responded, "gank you!" (thank you) It was a hit!

His bucket was over flowing after about 45 minutes of trick-0r-treating. He had a great time and was really sad this morning when I told him that we were not going out again. As for me, I had a great time but am ready to move onto the next holiday!